There is no real difference in the estrogen produced by our bodies and that
given to menopausal woman. It's all natural estrogen. That is why women who
begin menstruating earlier and stop later are more at risk for breast cancer:
They've produced more estrogen in their lifetime.

It's the fluctuation of estrogen due to your beagle going thru the heat cycle
that puts her at risk for cancer. When you have her spayed, you greatly lessen
the risk. She will also not be at risk for uterine cancer.

Going thru heat is also very bad for her psychologically. After each heat, some
degree of false pregnancy is experienced. This can cause depression and
illness. The absence of puppies can cause the bitch to pine, possibly refusing
food. She may experience vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping, which may
become severe. She may begin to produce milk, which can lead to her breasts
caking and becoming infected.

All in all, she will be healthier and happier once she's spayed. Spayed and
neutered dogs, on average live longer than those left intact.
I can't help but express my surprise that your vet has not advised you of this.

Best,

K

-- In BeagleWorld@yahoogroups.com, "rainbows4evr2002" <rainbows4evr2002@...>
wrote:
>
>
> Just curious:
> I thought it was good for physical and psychological development of dogs to go
through natural cycles like "Heat". What exactly does it do to them that is bad?
True, I would've liked to not have menustration, but the hormones were good for
my body (until of course, they say the estrogen in medicine is not, it changes
when it's not our own I suppose)
> So,thats the rational I have used.
>
> GK
>